Tips and Information to Help Catch More Carp
Rig Presentation Intro
To significantly boost your chances of success when it comes to catching when fishing, It is best to grasp the importance of Rig Presentation. In this article, we delve into the pivotal factors of rig presentation. We will look at some of the differences between the components that make up your terminal tackle (Rig), and how these differences affect rig presentation.
Understanding Carp Behavior
Carp, amongst other species of fish, can be very wary of unfamiliar-looking objects, like bottom bait rigs for example. There is plenty of proof of this shown in the underwater videos on YouTube created by such companies as Korda with their underwater series.
In these videos, you can get a glimpse of how Carp behave around numerous Rig presentations. It really is an eye-opener, because without this sort of footage, we never really know what’s going off down below.
By Studying these videos, you will notice that sometimes the Carp feeds on all of the bait that surrounds the Rig, totally avoiding the Rig and hook bait itself. It would be safe to assume that more than a couple of factors play a part in this but For the sake of this article, we will concentrate on the setup and presentation because many anglers believe, including myself, that this is one of, if not the most important aspect of catching Carp.
Its all in the presentation!!
The Different Rig Components
A successful rig presentation relies on the correct setup of components. These include the mainline, hook link, hook, and bait. Understanding how these elements work together and the importance of choosing the right tackle is key to your Carp fishing success.
Mainline
The mainline is the primary fishing line that connects your fishing reel to the rest of your rig. It plays a critical role in rig presentation. The choice of mainline that you use for presentation purposes, should consider factors like line diameter, strength and visibility.
Thinner Lines for Reduced Visibility
Having a thinner mainline will generally mean it is less visible to fish under the water. This reduced visibility can be a significant advantage, particularly when Carp are “line-shy.”Some people believe that Carp are not smart enough to spot the dangers, but I and many others would highly disagree.
Carp that have encountered fishing lines and rigs in the past may become cautious and avoid baits attached to highly visible lines. Using a thinner line helps to minimize the chances of Carp detecting the line and becoming wary of your bait.
Line Diameter and Carp Size
Although a thinner line would be preferred, so by taking into consideration the size of the Carp you’re targeting should influence your choice of line diameter and strength. Unfortunately, there is only so thin a line can be before you have to compromise with line strength.
Thicker lines are generally more suitable for larger Carp, which tend to have more pull due to weight and can exert more force during a fight. A thicker line provides greater strength and can withstand the pressure exerted by a big Carp without breaking. Line strengths of 15 – 20 lbs are a good place to start when solely targeting Carp.
Alternatively, a 12lb mainline will suffice when fishing at distance and fishing in non snaggy areas where fishing conditions are easier. If you’re confident that your swim is clear, you can opt for a thinner line as it comes in a relatively small diameter depending on the strength.
Thinner lines are often more sensitive, allowing you to detect even the slightest movements or bites, which can be beneficial if you are using smaller reels and feeder rods for example, when targeting Carp.
Abrasion Resistance in Snaggy Areas
Thicker lines are a must when it comes to situations where the fishing environment is snaggy or filled with underwater obstacles. These obstacles can include rocks, submerged branches, or other structures that may cause abrasion to the fishing line. In these situations, a thicker line provides better abrasion resistance, as the last thing you would want is to have your line snap in the middle of a fight. It happens!
Overall
When it comes to fishing, the mainline is not to be overlooked and is an important aspect of your tackle setup. By understanding the nuances of mainline and its impact on Carp behaviour, you can make more informed decisions about the type of line to use in various situations. Whether you choose a thin line for stealth or a thicker one for strength, your line should be part of a well-balanced tackle setup that enhances your chances.
Hooklink
The hook link is a section of a line that connects to your hook and then to your mainline. This section is what holds the rig together essentially. Hooklink material and length influence how your bait sits in the water and how a Carp perceives it. Just like the mainline, the material of the hook link can vary, with options of braided, monofilament, or fluorocarbon lines, each having its advantages. Above are some examples of these that I have found in my tackle box, these are both coated braid for strength and stiffness.
Short Hooklinks
A short hook link will enable a quick and direct hookset. You would use such hook links when using PVA Solid Bags systems or a short Hair Rig as an example, this would keep your hook and hook bait close to the lead and lay flat on the lake bed. Using this method would increase visibility for Carp that are feeding directly off the bottom.
This proximity should enhance the likelihood of Carp detecting and taking the bait. I use PVA Solid Bags often because I know that if I pack the PVA Bag properly, the chances that my rig is being presented correctly once the bag has melted is very high when fishing over the top of relatively flat lake beds. It’s a good way of ensuring that your rig has bait surrounding it without Spodding. Using a short hook link will also minimise this risk of tangles as your rig hits the lake bed if you happen to be fishing near any underwater debris, vegetation, or snaggy areas.
Not Suitable for Weedy Bottoms
If you plan on fishing lakes or rivers with weedy bottoms, the use of short hook lengths could come with its challenges, unless you find convenient flat spots, like gravel on the lake bottom. Using rigs with short hook lengths, where the hook bait is laid directly on the bottom will not work efficiently when fishing over dense substrates. This may sound like a no-brainer, but some people will still try and fish a PVA solid bag over thick weed, which will no doubt lead to an inactive session due to presentation.
The limited distance between the hook and the lead, increases the risk of the bait getting caught in the weeds during casting or when a Carp takes the bait, leading to frustration. Adapting a tackle setup using longer hook lengths is crucial for a more effective and enjoyable fishing experience in rugged environments.
Note!!
Success in fishing doesn’t always hinge on adhering strictly to what’s right or wrong with your rigs. There are instances where you can still land a catch even if your rig isn’t perfectly optimized or presented. The key takeaway is to consistently strive for maximum efficiency when setting up your rig.
Long Hooklinks
Longer hook links come with a multitude of uses, seen as though we are talking mainly about Presentation for this article it is worth noting that rigs with longer hook links can oftentimes be more versatile when taking into consideration the lake bed substrate. Let’s use the Chod Rig as an example.
Elevation Above Debris
Longer hook lengths create separation between the lead/weight and the Hook bait “ie” a Pop-Up or Wafter. In environments with debris and weeds on the lake bed, the extended length allows your hook bait to be positioned above potential obstacles. This is exactly what a chod rig is designed for, minimizing the risk of the rig becoming entangled or caught in the weeds during your cast, giving you confidence that your rig is set correctly and ready for a bite.
Above, I have given TWO examples of potential rigs you could use, the Chod Rig and the use of a PVA system. Hopefully, the content I have written around these rigs should give you the basic idea as to why using the right rig for the right situation is crucial because, if not, you could be fishing over certain substrates which are not suited to the type of rig you are using which will ultimately hinder your catch rate massively.
Why is the Chod Rig Great for Beginners
The Chod’ Rig is designed in such a way that it can be used in most fishing scenarios. Let’s assume you’re new to Carp fishing or fishing in general. Initially, you probably will not be using a Marker Lead to map out the underwater terrain. This is where the Chod Rig comes into play, serving as an example. Utilizing the Chod Rig allows you to confidently fish over various substrates (Lake Bottom) including, weed, debris, and uneven lake beds.
Moreover, the Chod Rig is versatile enough to be effective on flat-bottom lake beds like silt, sand, gravel, etc. It’s a popular choice among anglers, and for beginners entering the Carp fishing scene, the Chod Rig is a solid starting point for presentation purposes.
NOTE!!
As a general rule of thumb, use stronger Mainline than you use for your Hooklinks. For Example, if you have 20lb Mainline on your Reel, then use 15- 18lb line as your hooklink material.
Hooklink & Mainline Material
Braided Lines
Braided hooklinks and Mainline are highly regarded in Carp fishing due to their exceptional strength-to-diameter ratio, a key characteristic that sets them apart from other materials. They become a must have in certain situations when faced with challenging fishing environments where long distance plays a factor and the possiblity of abrasion under water.
The strength to diameter ratio of the braid allows it to withstand abrasion from obstacles, providing you with increased control over Carp during the fight. In situations where resilience is paramount, the use of braided hook links and line proves to be a strategic and reliable approach, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the fishing setup and presentation in these types of fishing situations.
Monofilament Lines
Monofilament hooklinks are versatile and commonly used by Carp anglers. Unlike Braided material, they have some degree of stretch, which can be an advantage when a Carp makes a powerful run or sudden lunges during the fight.
Monofilament lines are typically less visible in the water compared to braid and can be used in most fishing situations. The strength of the line you use will come down to your preferred methods of angling and the areas you choose to fish. Again, a 15 or 20lb line would be a good starting point for beginner Carp anglers.
Fluorocarbon Lines
Fluorocarbon lines are highly advantageous for rig presentation in carp fishing due to several key features. Firstly, Fluorocarbon has a refractive index close to that of water. After I did my research I found out that this means that it is less visible underwater basically.
You would use this type of material in high pound test to make up your boom section on Chod Rigs, Ronnie Rigs for example. It is a very stiff material that forms a natural ark/bend which is perfect for certain rig setups like the ones mentioned above. This low visibility is part of presenting a stiff and discreet rig with specific rig mechanics.
Different Hook Types
Hook Size and Style
The size and style of the hook should match the size of the bait and the Carp you’re targeting. Smaller hooks are used with smaller baits, while larger hooks are appropriate for bigger baits.
Hook styles like curved, straight, or wide gape, to name a few, are some of the types you will find out there. An ideal Hook size if you are just starting out would probably be a size 10 or a size 8 while using a 15mm hook bait. Do not opt for size 6 hooks or higher if you do not have the experience and knowledge behind why you should use them.
A larger hook will NOT necessarily result in catching a larger fish, there are times when using a large strong hook is paramount but understanding all the components of what makes a rig and how it should be presented will be much more important initially.
I will not go into Rig mechanics in this article but some factors to consider when it comes to specific Hook types and sizes are…
- Bait Presentation
- Hooklink Material Compatability
- Balance Between Strength & Stealth
- Consistant Rig Mechanics
- Hook Sharpness
- Hook Size & Type
Hook Baits
Bait is what entices Carp to investigate and ultimately take your hook. The type of bait used and the presentation of the bait are fundamental to rig presentation.
A Bottom Bait Rig
How you present the bait on your hook can vary. Let’s use a common rig as an example rig as an example, The Hair Rig. This rig would have the hook bait positioned slightly away from the hook itself on a piece of hooklink material that makes the hair, hence the name Hair Rig.
Using a rig like this would allow the Carp to take the bait without immediately feeling resistance, the hair section of the rig can be short or longer depending on the type and size of the hook bait you plan on using. On rigs like the Hair Rig, you can use various types of baits including all the ones I have listed below. Rigs like this are used when fishing directly off the bottom of the lake.
Floating Bait Rigs
Specifically on the Chod and Zig Rig you would use a bait that has Boyouncy, like Pop ups, Wafters or Foam, this will ensure that these types of rigs are presented correctly. For most of the others you could use baits with boyoncy or bottom baits like boilies, this would depend depending on how you would like them to be presesnted on the bottom.
Hook Baits
- Bollies
- Pop Ups
- Corn
- Maggots
- Bloodworm
- Tigernuts
- Wafters
- Pellet
A whole array of baits can be used with a variety of different rigs. One of the most common baits from the list used in Carp fishing, is the Bollie, as this makes for a great hook bait aswell as using them to bait up your swim.
Adaptation and Experimentation
In this section, I am going to go into story mode and put all of the above in a little bit more context. When we first start on your angling/fishing journey we tend to just wing it when it comes to the type of rigs that we use.
At the very start of my journey, I only ever used a method feeder with a 4-inch Monofilament, banded hook length, so it was hard to mess it up really when fishing over conveniently flat lake bottoms. This was great for catching me fish on occasion, but in reality, I attribute some of my success to the warmer months and the uniform lake bed conditions at the venues I frequently fished at, rather than solely relying on the effectiveness of my presentation.
Once I started getting into the Carp fishing scene I noticed anglers were using rigs such as…
- Hair Rigs
- Ronnie Rigs
- Hinged Stiff Rigs
- Combi Rigs
- Multi Rigs
- Chod Rigs
- Zig Rigs
Back to the Story
One of the biggest mistakes I made when first starting out using the Method Feeder was assuming that all lake beds were flat and free of any obsticales, debris or weed leaving it more to chance than anything else.
This was a lesson learned. As I have said, the method feeder did work on occasion but now with more experience behind me, I wonder how many more fish I would have caught if I just understood how to judge the substrate of the waters.
Knowing this would have given me all the cues I need, to use more efficient methods on different lake beds, like some of the Rigs listed above.
I have experimented with a few of these rigs including, the Ronnie Rig, Hair Rig and of course, the Chod Rig. The Chod Rig, in particular, became one of the favourites because of its versatility. Using this Rig I could cast out knowing that my rig was more than likely presented correctly regardless of weed, gravel or obstacles on the bottom.
Moving Forward
You should aim to use marker leads to clarify what you are fishing over, this way you will have a better chance at choosing a rig that will be presented properly giving you higher percentages of a bite.
Don’t leave it down to luck and blame external factors like I did and still do at times. Make sure you experiment with different Rigs and see what works the best on the day and if in doubt use a Chod Rig.
For more ways to improve Rig presentation, visit my Casting Accuracy article, as this is partially correlated to how your rig will be presented. In the article, you will also find some actionable tips that might help you if needed.
Fishing for Beginners (Casting)
Importance of Balanced Tackle
Putting thought into correctly balancing your tackle for an optimal rig presentation cannot be overlooked. This means you should consider Each element, from the choice of rod and reel, to the selection of line strength and diameter, along with the appropriate hook size and baits, these all contribute to the overall performance of your rig in the water.
Along with Hooklinks, Hooks and baits, it is also worth noting that using the right rod and Reel can also play a part when it comes to Rig presentation when taking into consideration factors like lead weight and the distance you wish to fish at.
The type of places/venues you visit should dictate the types of Rods and reels you have alongside the rigs you plan on using. I have linked a few pages below that go into more detail about certain aspects like the importance of Test Curves and Rod Types.
Actionable Tips for Improving Rig Presentation
Improving your rig presentation is a continuous learning process that we all have to go through. The best and most obvious way to improve your rig presentation would be to be accompanied by an experienced angler who knows their stuff, but that might not be an option for many of us, so below I have given you some practical ways which should help you with Rig presentation. be prepared for trial and error, and exercise patience and persistence.
Improve your Casting Ability
I know we have touched on this previously, but I would like to reiterate the fact that improving your casting will certainly carry over to landing the perfect rig. Good and accurate casting will allow you to dictate where your rig lands and how it lands making for better presentation.
Fishing for Beginners (Casting)
Transparent water Bucket Trick
Having a large see-through water bucket with you while fishing will allow you to test how your rig will sit before you cast out.
Now, I know this may seem odd, unorthodox or even unpractical, due to the numerous amounts of nuances when it comes to lake bed substrates, but with that said, I sometimes use this method to check my rigs for balancing purposes. This will at least give reasurance that the rig components and bait I have used are working in tandem with each other.
Doing this will at least give you an idea as to how your rig will sit once it’s presented. This will not be as ideal for such rigs like the Zig rig for example, but it works great for Pop Up style rigs like the Chod Rig or Ronnie Rig.
This should help with getting your Pop Up to Hook size ratio perfect along with rig putty application. Better yet, if you happen to have a fish tank at home then that would be a great place to try this out, this is what my dad used to do when testing rigs.
Camouflage Terminal Tackle (Rig)
Matching rig components to the colour of the lakebed Can be a great way to further your chances of a bite. The importance lies in creating a presentation that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, making it less detectable and more appealing to the fish.
To do this you will want to use a marker lead to check what type of lake bed you are fishing over. Some may say this is not necessary, but I and other anglers believe that this will certainly add to your overall percentages and make for a more effective Rig Presentation.
Conclusion
As we have come to the end of this article it would seem that Rig presentation emerges as a pivotal factor in tipping the scales in your favour, a key to turning the thrill of the chase into a successful catch.
Carp behaviour, as revealed in underwater videos from platforms like KordaTV, underscores the importance of meticulous rig presentation. By delving into the nuances of mainlines, hooklinks, and hook types, you can tailor your tackle setup for optimal performance.
I hope I have given enough detail in this article regarding Rig presentation. If you have found at least one aspect of the article to be of use to you please let me know in the comments what that may be. Thank you for reading.
martin@lakeamenity.com
